Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery: What to Expect and How to Heal

Wisdom tooth pain is very daunting for many. Though all wisdom teeth need not be removed, some are impacted which makes their extraction necessary.

Even after a surgical removal of wisdom tooth, some are worried about the recovery from wisdom tooth removal.

Understanding how your post extraction wound heals helps in minimizing your discomfort .

If you know how to care for yourself post-surgery, it prevents the complications associated with an extraction

What to expect after wisdom tooth extraction :

Wisdom tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure which is done under a local anesthetic to numb the tissues around your tooth.

Some complicated wisdom tooth extractions are done under general anesthetic which requires hospital stay for a day.

To Know how a wisdom tooth is extracted - Understanding wisdom tooth extraction process

Immediately after the extraction, a cotton gauze pad is placed on the extraction site which plays a very important role in controlling bleeding from the site.

You may normally experience the following signs after surgery -

• Bleeding for a short period of time

• Swelling

• Discomfort while eating

• Difficulty in opening mouth

• Pain at the extraction site.

From the time your tooth is extracted, it is more than enough for you to follow your dental professional instructions correctly for a smooth recovery from wisdom tooth surgery.

Immediate post-surgery care :

After wisdom tooth extraction, immediate post-surgical care is very much important to prevent complications in the future.

The first 24 - hrs after extraction is crucial as it is the time blood clot is formed in the extraction site which promotes the wisdom teeth removal healing process.

Bleeding :

• Immediately after the procedure, you will be asked to firmly bite down on a cotton pad for about 30-45 minutes for the formation of a blood clot

• This blood clot is essential for the wound healing process to take place.

• Bleeding usually stops within 30 minutes, but if you are still bleeding- make sure to change the gauze and to continue to apply firm pressure

• Never spit or rinse your mouth vigorously or use a straw to drink as it may dislodge the clot formed.

• Failure to follow the above instructions, can lead to Dry socket- a painful condition more common after an extraction.

• Never try to inspect your extraction site with your tongue as it may disturb your healing process.

• Avoid brushing on the day of extraction and follow gentle brushing the day after.

• Some bleeding is particularly normal on the first day. If it becomes excessive or does not stop, contact your dentist immediately.

Swelling :

• Swelling is common after a wisdom tooth extraction.

• Some may experience swelling after wisdom tooth surgery even for a week

• Your swelling typically starts to rise after two days and may take several days to subside

• To manage swelling, apply an ice pack for every 30-minutes interval for the first two days after extraction.

• This helps prevent inflammation and swelling and also reduces pain and discomfort.

• Keep your head elevated during sleeping as this can also help reduce swelling

• Follow your medications for pain and swelling as prescribed by your dentist.

You will start to see slow improvement in your pain and recovery, if you follow your post wisdom tooth extraction tips carefully.

This initial care after surgery is very crucial for a smooth recovery.

Related : Tooth extraction cost

First few days after surgery :

Your extraction site is basically a wound , and proper diet is crucial to avoid irritation and damage to the surgical site and for smooth recovery.

For the first two days, it is generally recommended to stick to soft diet that are easy to chew and swallow

You are also advised to avoid hot and spicy foods as it may further increase pain and irritation.

Recommended Foods :

• Juices and Shakes : These are easy to consume and also packed with nutrients. You can consume it chilled to reduce pain and discomfort .

• Boiled and mashed foods: Vegetables and dals can be boiled and mashed for the ease of eating. Steamed foods like rice, dal are easy to chew.

• Curd and eggs: These are soft foods that are gentle on the mouth and prevents irritation.

Foods to avoid :

• Hard and sticky foods: Crunchy and hard foods like chips and nuts should be avoided as they can get lodged in the extraction site.

• Hot and spicy foods can further irritate the wounded spot and increase pain.

• Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated

Never refrain from eating with the fear of pain. Your body needs nutrients to help the healing process. Instead, take soft diet at regular intervals at your comfort.

Post-wisdom tooth extraction tips :

Managing discomfort:

• Medications : Pain from wisdom tooth extraction can be easily managed by medications prescribed by your dentist.

• Antibiotics and pain relievers are usually prescribed to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Always follow the dosage correctly as prescribed by your dentist.

• Home Remedies :

1. Apply ice packs to the cheeks for every 30-minutes interval to reduce swelling and numb the area.

2. Elevate your head while you sleep to reduce pain.

3. Rinse with saltwater at regular intervals for a week after two days of extraction to reduce infection risk.

4. Rest : You are usually advised to take rest on the day of extraction and resume work from the next day.

5. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least a week as it interferes with the healing process.

6. Your stitches may dissolve within a few weeks. If you have an appointment for the stitches to be removed, visit your dentist on time.

Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Ways to Prevent Them:

While wisdom tooth extractions are a common procedure, you may occasionally get complications. Being aware of the issues helps you face the situation without fear.

• Dry socket : If your blood clot gets dislodged before the wound is healed, it leads to dry socket. This is a very painful condition and happens usually around two to three days after wisdom tooth extraction. Visit your dentist if you have severe pain after several days of extraction.

To prevent this, avoid rinsing and spitting for the first 24-hrs after extraction.

• Infection : Your extraction site may become infected, leading to swelling, discomfort ,fever and pus

  discharge. Rinse with warm salt-water after two days to keep the site clean and free from infection.

• Very rarely, you may get nerve damage resulting in numbness or tingling.

• Excessive bleeding that might not stop even after applying pressure with the gauze.

Visit your dentist immediately if you experience any of the above signs.

Takeaway:

By one week, most of us would have recovered from a wisdom tooth extraction although some may get better after two weeks

You can start to introduce solid food to your diet and continue normal oral hygiene routine .

It is important to follow your post-operative instructions to prevent any complications.

Have a follow-up with your dentist after a week to ensure a smooth and complete recovery.